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Publisher's Summary

Imajica is an epic beyond compare: vast in conception, obsessively detailed in execution, and apocalyptic in its resolution. At its heart lies the sensualist and master art forger Gentle, whose life unravels when he encounters Judith Odell, whose power to influence the destinies of men is vaster than she knows, and Pie "oh" pah, an alien assassin who comes from a hidden dimension.

That dimension is one of five in the great system called Imajica. They are worlds that are utterly unlike our own but are ruled, peopled, and haunted by species whose lives are intricately connected with ours. As Gentle, Judith, and Pie "oh" pah travel the Imajica, they uncover a trail of crimes and intimate betrayals, leading them to a revelation so startling that it changes reality forever.

I tried reading this 20 years ago, and struggled. Having laboured through all 37 hours of it, I remember why. Like most of Mr. Barker's work, the first act is wonderful. Sadly, IMAGICA quickly becomes directionless and muddled. It's world's better than GALILEE, but weak and bloated beside THE GREAT AND SECRET SHOW.

Took some getting into by which time you’re committed to listening to the rest of it but I nearly gave up a couple of times. My main issue was with the narrator’s characterisations which just made me laugh or throw up my hands in despair. It’ll put me off any other book Mr Vance does. As for the story, I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as Weaveworld or Great and Secret Show which I’ve read a few times. Maybe Imajica would be a better read then a listen.

After having read this book several times over, I nevertheless discovered new intricacies, finally hearing every word rather then scanning every line.

The epic story is difficult to summarize and that is not what I want to impart. Instead I want to praise the highly imaginative storyline that is enveloped in such beautiful details that it is not difficult for the reader to see all the new alien worlds, or dimensions clearly.

One of my favorite fantasy/magic stories since I first read it about 25 years ago!

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Benjamin

Kalamazoo, MI, United States

28/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Barker's Masterwork"

Barker hit his high water mark with this text. In Imajica, you have a novel who's text and world and characters all create a circular telling of myth in imagery. If you give yourself over to the journey, you will be shown wonders and horrors and wonders again. As in all of Barker's fiction, the author doesn't shy away from the grotesque or the profane, but instead stands them right up next to the sacred and divine. He makes them part of the circle and hands it to the reader in a koan of an experience. Simon Vance does an excellent job of carrying the voices of the text. For the first time, Crossroad gives us an unabridged full telling of the tale. However, I will offer a word of warning. If you're looking for simple horror, look elsewhere. This is not a tale of monsters, though it contains them. It's a love story for imagination.

22 of 23 people found this review helpful

MizNikki

Mich.

21/08/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Imajica is full of adventure, love, lust, power, g"

Any additional comments?

This sweeping novel takes the reader on a fantastical ride through dimensions and the lives of intriguingly genuine characters.

Elegantly told, Barker's larger than life characters enchant and entertain.

Imajica is full of adventure, love, lust, power, greed and betrayal.

I listened to the audio-book and although getting through the book was an arduous task because of the length, the narrator did an excellent job conveying the characters, inflections, and keeping the story flowing.

I would recommend reading a physical copy just for the ease of referencing a previous chapter, reflecting and so on.

I did get distracted by the scope of this novel at times.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Lauren

Lyttelton, South Africa

11/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Not just a book but a ticket to another world"

Some books are more than the sum of the words that create them, its the dimension created without words that set your imagination soaring beyond those limits and leave you feeling bereft when it is done. The characters can be slightly predictable but the substance of the worlds and tale could not leave room for much more complexity or you'd be wandering the Imagica for the rest of time...

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

Ashley

18/06/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Beautiful Perfection"

It was daunting at first, being over 37 hours of listening, but I quickly became immersed in the world and the lore. The tale is an epic - sans the poetical layout, the stars of the tale complex and yet well described, and the whole of the story comes full circle for an ending that coaxes out the good tears. The narrator was as wonderful; using as many diverse accents and tones as the narrative possessed. Before I was 15 hours in, I had already insisted that all of my friends read this, as I will now suggest to anyone who happens upon this review.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Angela

Stuart, VA, United States

22/06/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Creation!"

Author Clive Barker has this talent for writing and creating a story that will absolutely blow your mind. He has created worlds, characters that will blow your mind, adventure, philosophy, and intrigue from start to finish. It took me quite awhile to get through this story but I'm thrilled I did, after all it is a Clive Barker story. I think it was over 37 hours long but I could be off by an hour or two. The story was filled with plot twists and the majority of the characters are far from what you think.

Simon Vance did an outstanding job with bringing this story to life. He breathed life into it from start to finish. I was amazed at his vocalization and his ease for distinguishing accents and voices of each character. He did a great job! Overall, a perfect 5 🌟 rating. I received this audio from the author/narrator in exchange for an unbiased review through Audiobook Blast.

7 of 8 people found this review helpful

C. Jennett

Grand Coulee Dam, WA

03/08/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"AMAZING!"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely, this is by far the greatest book I've ever read in my entire life. Clive Barker's imagery is so abundant, it's as if watching a movie play in your head.

What other book might you compare Imajica to and why?

There is no comparison, Imajica is almost a sentient being. Completely unique in its own right.

Which scene was your favorite?

Too many to choose from.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, but I wouldn't want to give away an important part of the novel to someone who hasn't read it.

6 of 7 people found this review helpful

Antknee

24/06/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Better Than I Remembered"

I read this book about 20 years ago and loved it. I was hoping it would hold up and it did. Clive Barker has always been one of my favorite writers and Imajica could possibly be his best work. It's description of the fantastic is so floral and vibrant. I really fell for the characters all over again and his deft ability to describe the differences between men and women is subtle and nuanced. There's fantasy, horror, love and adventure here mixed with magic and religion- I love this book and Simon Vance's narration was excellent.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cyndi

05/05/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"entertaining"

An epic adventure. The narrator did an excellent job reading the story. I felt as if I was in the story along with all the characters. Did not want to stop listening.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

shane

07/04/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Light out for the territories"

I read this book when I was twelve ( nobody called cps) it is a very good example of a complex story told as if the things left out are common knowledge it's so many things but ,I loved the world(s) and the people ?If a writer can make goat piss sound even a little appetizing then he's telling a good story.Clive Barker has said it is his favorite of all his books and it's easy to see that in the meat of the book.It's no scooby doo paint by numbers I love it and couldn't recommend it more

11 of 14 people found this review helpful

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